Broken gas main causes brief evacuation of several homes in Thornwood

A broken gas main caused a brief evacuation of several homes in Thornwood Wednesday.

Fire officials say a private contractor trying to install a storm drain ruptured a gas main on Manhattan Avenue. They say firefighters and ConEd workers responded immediately to the scene and evacuated several homes as a precaution.

Workers spent more than an hour trying to cap the gas main. Fire officials say there is no longer any danger. Residents were able to return to their homes around 11 a.m.